Tend

Tend, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tended; p. pr. & vb. n. Tending.] [Aphetic form of attend. See Attend, Tend to move, and cf. Tender one that tends or attends.] 1. To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard; as, shepherds tend their flocks. Shak.

And flaming ministers to watch and tend
Their earthly charge.

There 's not a sparrow or a wren,
There 's not a blade of autumn grain,
Which the four seasons do not tend
And tides of life and increase lend.

2. To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to.

Being to descend
A ladder much in height, I did not tend
My way well down.

To tend a vessel (Naut.), to manage an anchored vessel when the tide turns, so that in swinging she shall not entangle the cable.

Tend (?), v. t. [See Tender to offer.] (O. Eng. Law) To make a tender of; to offer or tender. [Obs.]

Tend, v. i. [F. tendre, L. tendere, tensum and tentum, to stretch, extend, direct one's course, tend; akin to Gr. ? to stretch, Skr. tan. See Thin, and cf. Tend to attend, Contend, Intense, Ostensible, Portent, Tempt, Tender to offer, Tense, a.] 1. To move in a certain direction; -- usually with to or towards.

Two gentlemen tending towards that sight.

Thus will this latter, as the former world,
Still tend from bad to worse.

The clouds above me to the white Alps tend.

2. To be directed, as to any end, object, or purpose; to aim; to have or give a leaning; to exert activity or influence; to serve as a means; to contribute; as, our petitions, if granted, might tend to our destruction.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

The laws of our religion tend to the universal happiness of mankind.

Tend, v. i. 1. To wait, as attendants or servants; to serve; to attend; -- with on or upon.

Was he not companion with the riotous knights
That tend upon my father?

2. [F. attendre.] To await; to expect. [Obs.] Shak.